In a significant setback to the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government, the Supreme Court has upheld the Calcutta High Court’s order canceling the appointments of over 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff recruited through the West Bengal School Service Commission.

The apex court ruled that the selection process was "vitiated by manipulation and fraud," severely compromising its credibility.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar stated that there was no reason to interfere with the High Court’s decision, as the appointments stemmed from fraudulent practices.

The court directed the state government to conduct a fresh selection process within three months. While candidates who qualify in the new process will not be required to return salaries drawn since 2016, those who fail must repay the amount. However, persons with disabilities have been granted an exemption and may continue in their current positions.

The West Bengal government had challenged the High Court’s ruling in the Supreme Court, seeking a distinction between "tainted" and "untainted" candidates. At the heart of the controversy are supernumerary posts created by the state.

Despite 23 lakh candidates appearing for the 2016 selection test, 25,753 appointment letters were issued against 24,640 available vacancies, raising allegations of large-scale illegal recruitment.

The scandal has put the Trinamool Congress government under intense scrutiny, with several key leaders, including former education minister Partha Chatterjee—a close aide of Mamata Banerjee—already in jail for their alleged involvement.

Reacting to the verdict, BJP leader Amit Malviya termed it a "crushing defeat" for Mamata Banerjee. He asserted that the Chief Minister must also be held accountable, stating, "Under her watch, this massive fraud ruined the careers of thousands of youths. She must face trial."